There are many accusations that come to those who preach the word of God. A most common accusation is what the Lord has given me to speak about today. At times this accusation is a bit quieter and then at times it gains popularity and shouts from various public forums. The accusation is that those who proclaim the soon return of Jesus and the events Jesus said would happen prior to His return are nothing more than ‘gloom and doom’ preachers. It’s always been so odd to me. What exactly is gloom and doom about hoping for the return of our Lord Jesus and believing what Jesus said would happen first? I’ve never understood this view.
Yes, I am aware of Joel 2:2

Blow a trumpet in Zion;sound an alarm on my holy mountain!Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,for the day of the LORD is coming; it is near,2 a day of darkness and gloom,a day of clouds and thick darkness!

The Lord Himself declares the day of the Lord is a day of darkness and gloom. So, is the Lord a gloom and doom preacher? I don’t know anyone who wants to accuse the Lord of Hope, the Lord of Peace, the Lord of Salvation, of being a gloom and doomer out to steal people’s joy. Yet, if someone speaks on the prophetic signs pointing to the return of Jesus they have a good chance of being labeled a gloom and doomer out to steal joy. A real ‘Debbie Downer.’

The Lord has given me a shield against that label, so I typically brush it off as something odd but nothing to be concerned about. Then a few days ago, the Holy Spirit said He was going to have me speak about it because many are discouraged and weary.

I confess I have a pre-conceived notion that those who think of it as doom and gloom will go right on thinking so and those who see it as true hope will go right on thinking it. So, why speak about it? Jesus told me I’m to encourage the saints to endure faithful to the end. That’s what I believe the Lord’s purpose is in this message. Encouragement to endure faithful to Jesus to the end. Many are discouraged, weary, worn out, doubting. Accusations against those who are warning of the Lord’s call to repentance and judgement is on the increase. That includes being called a ‘gloom and doom’ prophet as well as being accused of being false because events don’t happen this instant.

Here is what the Lord told me:

Behold, I am coming soon. My love for you is great. I tell you the truth of My saving power, My judgement, and My wrath. I call you to come out of the world for the world is passing away. I have told you, your citizenship is in heaven, and from it you await Me, your Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is in your heart, My children? Are you eager for Me? Are you looking for Me? Are you longing to be with Me? Are you longing for the passing away of the things of this world?

The kings of the earth who commit adultery with the prostitute and share her luxury, weep and mourn over her burning. My faithful rejoice for My judgements are true and righteous.

Many are longing for the things of this world, but that is not so for those who belong to Me. Many are looking for the comforts of this world and riches and treasures that rust and are eaten by moths, but it cannot be so for those who belong to Me.

Many are looking for the world around them to improve, but I have told you the love of many will grow cold and all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

Many say My word is too harsh. Many cover their ears and shake their heads for they do not want to repent of their sins. They do not want to come out of Babylon. They love the darkness. This must not be for those who belong to Me.

My word is good news to those who are being saved. My call to repentance is received as My kindness to those with a heart tender toward Me. I send you as the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.

I speak to you now, oh weary one. Take heart, for I am not slow to keep My promises, as some count slowness. People are slow of hearing and slow of response. I warn far in advance and I warn soon. Do not grumble and do not be discouraged. Believe Me. Believe My word. Be fed by My Scripture. Behold, I am with you.

Do not turn again to things of this world for I have called you to Me.

I speak to you now, oh watchman. Do not let your heart be manipulated by nay-sayers who do not believe My word. They are in love with the world. Their lamps are empty. I tell you the prophets of old inquired what person or time My Spirit was indicating of My coming. Scoffers will scoff, but I tell you to hold fast. Speak as I tell you. Behold, I am with you.

Some say, ‘when will the time of sorrows be?’ I tell you, it is already the time of sorrows. The pains will increase, My children until some of you stumble as one stumbles at the end of a long race. Does a fighter not stumble at the end of a fight? But I say to you, strengthen the hands that are weak and make firm the knees that are feeble. You will say, ‘I cannot breathe,’ but I say to you, I am the Breath of Life. Finish the race I have set before you for I am coming soon.

My judgements have been narrow in scope and many have tossed aside the warning saying, ‘look I have all I need and I eat and drink and make merry.’ But I say, oh foolish children! Take heed for the hour is coming when you will look for food and the field will be empty.

Crumble! I will command crumble to the idols in which you take pride. Rubble will be around your feet.

Have I not told you of earthquakes and roaring seas? Have I not told you of wars and rumors of wars? Have I not told you of nation against nation and kingdom against kingdom? Have I not told you of famine of food and famine of My word?

You say, ‘Stop!. It is gloom and doom. Speak to me of that which makes me laugh.’ But I say to you, a loving Father disciplines and warns of punishment. A loving Father calls you to a narrow path that leads to eternal life. A loving Father warns you not to put your heart in this world for the things of this world, the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life is not from Me but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Look! Do you not see? Where a nation once stood, now there is rubble and famine. So shall it be with another and another.

Beware! Many look for a savior of the things of the world. They love gold and silver and towers and riches that will all be burned. But I tell you, look to Me! I am your treasure. Are you satisfied in Me? Am I enough? Look in your heart, My children. Do you long for some other companion? Come walk with Me. Do you long for some other comfort? Receive the comfort and guarantee of My Spirit. My promises are true. Am I enough? I love you, My children.

I tell you again, the kings of the earth who commit adultery with the prostitute and share her luxury, weep and mourn over her burning. My faithful rejoice for My judgements are true and righteous.

Take heart! Trouble comes, and darkness and war are on the horizon. I have told you, you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles as I commanded them. They said to you, In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions. It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for My mercy that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

While it is today, be watchful. Pray for the Lord to open the door for the preaching of the Gospel and that many will receive saving faith in Christ Jesus.

Grace and peace to you dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Hold fast to Jesus. He is faithful!

John Ashcraft

Leah

I struggle with this one too.
I love talking about the signs of the times. How prophecy is being fulfilled before our very eyes…because I know certain things must happen before our Lord returns.
No one in my “world” likes talking about it. They say “that’s soo depressing”, or “doom and gloom”.
I don’t want anyone to suffer, I’m not joyful about the sorrow that is increasing now. I take no pleasure in the darkness of the days that the world is entering into…but, my heart skips a beat, I get “butterflies” in my stomach, and I’m full of Joy…knowing these things that are happening will end with The return of our King. It’s the only thing (these days) that gives me such joy and peace.
I do find it confusing and a little discouraging though, when other people that call themselves Christians find these things depressing. And when they hear them they become fearful.
When I allow these people to cause me to feel weary, I’m reminded…”when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”. ❤️